Good morning, Pasadena. This is News N’ Roses, the newsletter that is as cheerful as the holiday season.
In today’s News N’ Roses:
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Pasadena’s Holiday Tree Lighting Tonight
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One Arroyo Trail Opens!
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Lots of Events this Weekend
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Don’t forget to see our Live Music events too!
Let’s get to it.
— Matthew Ramirez
THE DIGEST
Pasadena’s Holiday Tree Lighting Tonight!
Kick off the holiday season tonight at the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pasadena City Hall! Starting at 5:30 PM, this free community event promises festive fun for the whole family.
Join Mayor Victor Gordo as he leads the countdown to light up the grand tree, and enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and special performances. There will also be food and drinks available for purchase, making it the perfect evening to celebrate the season with neighbors and friends.
Come out, soak up the holiday cheer, and make some memories under the lights!
One Arroyo Trail Ribbon-Cutting
Another big event is happening this weekend as Pasadena marks the completion of the One Arroyo Trail Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, December 9, 2024. The event, hosted by the City of Pasadena in partnership with the One Arroyo Foundation, will take place at the Lower Arroyo Park parking area from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo and other community leaders, celebrating the improvements made to this treasured local resource. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided walk of the newly enhanced trails or a one-mile trail run led by the Pasadena Pacers.
This free event highlights the community’s ongoing commitment to preserving and revitalizing the Arroyo Seco.
Don’t forget your comfortable shoes and a sense of adventure!
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
Friday
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🌲Mayors Tree Lighting: Join the Pasadena community for the Mayor’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony at Pasadena City Hall. Bring family and friends to this free celebration featuring local singers and dancers, crafts for kids, light refreshments, and a special appearance by Santa Claus! Tonight, Dec. 6, 5 – 7 PM.
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🧸‘Stuff a Bus’ Toy Drive: Join in making this holiday season brighter for those in need. Donate new, unwrapped gifts for children and families in the Pasadena community. Friday, Dec. 6, 4 AM – 6PM, Rose Bowl Lot F, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive.
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💫Stargazing Lecture: A monthly meet up hosted by Caltech’s Astronomy club featuring Caltech professors. This month the topic is “How to build a galaxy from scratch”, be sure to stay for the telescopes! Dec. 6, 8 PM
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🎄A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within: Celebrate the holiday season with a timeless classic! Immerse yourself in the magic of A Christmas Carol at A Noise Within, located on Foothill Blvd in Pasadena. Charles Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption and holiday spirit comes alive in this beautifully staged production, featuring festive music, stunning visuals, and heartfelt performances that will enchant audiences of all ages. Dec. 6-8 at 7 PM. (Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2& 7 PM).
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🖼️Free First Fridays at Norton Simon Museum: Explore world-class art for free! Visit the Norton Simon Museum on the first Friday of every month for free admission from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Stroll through stunning exhibits and enjoy the serene sculpture garden in the heart of Pasadena.
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🎭Tartuffe by Molière: Pasadena City College’s Mainstage Theater presents Tartuffe, directed by Suzanne Hunt-Jenner. This classic comedy follows Tartuffe, a scheming imposter, as he infiltrates the home of the wealthy Orgon, causing chaos and nearly stealing the family’s fortune—until justice intervenes. A sharp critique of hypocrisy and blind faith, this timeless play remains as relevant as ever. Tonight at 7:30 PM.
Saturday
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🎄Holidayfest! in Pasadena: Kick off the holiday season at Holidayfest! Enjoy festive activities, live music, exclusive shopping deals, and more in Pasadena’s Playhouse Village. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Don’t miss it! Saturday, Dec 7th, 12 PM – 6PM.
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🌽Pasadena Farmers’ Market at Victory Park: Shop fresh and local at the Pasadena Farmers’ Market, a Certified Farmers’ Market offering a variety of locally-grown fruits, vegetables, and farm products. Located at the 2900 block of North Sierra Madre Blvd, the market runs on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Vendors also offer jams, fish, and more (no crafts).
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🐶Santa Paws: A Holiday Crafting Workshop: Spread holiday cheer to shelter animals at Pasadena Humane’s Santa Paws crafting workshop. Create beds, toys, and gifts for the dogs and cats to enjoy on Christmas Day, with supplies provided. Participants can also make a craft to take home while enjoying hot chocolate, coffee, and homemade cookies. Join the fun on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
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🎀One Arroyo Trail Project Ribbon-Cutting: Celebrate the completion of the Arroyo Seco trail improvements at a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the City of Pasadena and the One Arroyo Foundation. Join Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo and community leaders on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Lower Arroyo Park parking area. Enjoy optional activities, including a guided trail walk or a one-mile run with the Pasadena Pacers. This free event is open to all.
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🎄Christmas Tree Lane & Winter Festival: Celebrate the holiday season at the annual lighting of Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena! Stroll beneath the twinkling lights of the historic Deodar trees along Santa Rosa Avenue, enjoy delicious food and beverages, and shop from local arts and crafts vendors. This free, family-friendly event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7, starting at 5:30 PM. Parking is limited, so plan ahead.
Sunday
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🏰Castle Green Holiday Tour: Step into Pasadena’s most enchanting secret: Castle Green. This Moorish-Victorian masterpiece, built in 1898, feels like stepping into a dream where history and romance collide. With its iconic bridge, lush gardens, and grand arches, it’s a portal to another time, whispering tales of its past as a luxury hotel, a backdrop for weddings, and even a home to ghostly legends. Whether you’re drawn to its old-Hollywood allure or its fairytale charm, Castle Green is more than just a building—it’s an experience that captures the heart and imagination. Each year Castle Green opens its doors for a self guided tour with carol singers, DJ and photo booth! Dec. 8th, 11 AM – 3 PM
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🛍️Rose Bowl Flea Market: Held every second Sunday of the month, offers an incredible selection of vintage goods, antiques, unique crafts, and more. Located at the historic Rose Bowl Stadium, this event is perfect for treasure hunters, collectors, and anyone looking for a fun day out. Sunday, Dec. 8. Gates open at 9 AM—don’t miss it!
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🖼️Free Second Sundays at Pasadena Museum of Art: Enjoy a day of creativity and culture at the Pasadena Museum of Art’s Free Second Sundays! Explore exhibitions, participate in art-making workshops, and discover engaging activities for all ages. Admission is free every second Sunday of the month—don’t miss this inspiring experience!
Save the Date
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🍾SGV Spirits Club Rum Tasting: Join San Gabriel Valley Spirits Club for a rum tasting with La Maison & Velier at Pez Costal Kitchen. Dec. 12 · 6:30 – 8:30 PM.
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🎤Giggle Gaggle with Taylor P. Miller: Amazing night of comedy at The Ice House in Pasadena. Comics you’ve seen on Netflix, Disney+, HBO, Comedy Central and many more this amazing lineup is only $15. Reserve your seats now as seating is limited. Dec. 14. Doors open at 7 PM.
Nothing in this section is sponsored. These are just the things you need to know. I’ll always let you know if something is sponsored!
CIVIL NEWS
Attention Transit Riders!
Starting Sunday, December 15, the Pasadena Transit system will expand from six to eight bus routes! Metro Lines 177 and 256 will become Pasadena Transit 53 and 33, respectively. For more information, visit PasadenaTransit.net.
NEWS N’ ROSES WEATHER
Friday
77 🌡️ 52|☀️| 💨 NNE 3 mph, gusts up to 6 mph
🌆 Air Quality Index: 50 (Good)
Saturday
76 🌡️ 55 |☀️| 💨 VAR 2-5 mph, gusts up to 10 mph
Sunday
68 🌡️ 52 |🌤️| 💨 VAR 1-4 mph, gusts up to 11 mph
Temperature readings taken from the Pasadena Doppler radar.
LIVE MUSIC
Local Cal Tech Rockers take over Christmas in Pasadena with their last performance of 2024 at The Mixx, Dec. 6th 8 PM.
Enjoy an evening of beautiful choral music at Pasadena City College’s Westerbeck Recital Hall. The PCC Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Jazzadena Vocal Ensemble will perform under the direction of Rodger Guerrero and Mary Durst. This Winter Choral Concert, Season of Light, takes place tonight, December 6, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Enjoy live jazz at Lyd and Mo’s Photography Studio in Playhouse Village, located across from the Ice House Comedy Club. This month’s event features an exciting lineup of musical guests, hosted by Jason Luckett & Friends. Tonight, Dec. 6, from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Join the Billy Childs Trio at the Sierra Madre Playhouse for an evening of jazz and classical fusion. A six-time GRAMMY winner and seventeen-time nominee, Billy Childs has reshaped the American musical landscape. Catch this incredible performance on Friday, Dec 6, at 7:30 PM.
The homegrown South Pasadena musicians’ group is known for their classic jazz sound and musical flare. With over 5 years of experience performing at Jones Coffee Roasters on Raymond Avenue in Pasadena, this jazz group is beloved by the community and visiting guests Dec. 7, 10 AM – 12 PM
SPORTS
Upcoming UCLA and PCC Matches
Women’s Basketball 🏀
12/6 PCC vs. Riverside| 2 PM
Men’s Basketball 🏀
12/6 PCC vs. Palos Verdes | 1 PM
Rose Bowl Aquatics Masters Swimming 🏊🏽
12/6-12/8 Southern Pacific Masters Swimming (SPMS) Championships (Short Course Meters) | Long Beach City College Pool
THANKS!
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